UNDYING LOVE

by Steve Shrott

"Did you read the fine print?" Carmine asked, smoothing the sleeve of his Armani jacket.

Roger Black stared at the large men sitting across from him for a moment before answering. "Well, I, uh, didn't have the time and..."

"I see." Carmine crossed his arms on the polished mahogany desk and moved close to Roger. "That would explain it."

"Explain what?"

"Why you didn't ask Jill for a second date."

"She seemed nice. I just felt she wasn't my cup of tea."

"Not your cup of tea?" Carmine swished the words around his mouth as if he had just sipped a fine Beaujolais .

"The problem, Mr. Black, is it appears you have confused Soul Mates Incorporated with a dating service. If you had read the fine print you would know we are not."

Roger's eyebrows arched. "I don't understand."

"The service we provide is creating committed relationships. This is the reason we had you fill out those twelve pages of profile information."

A shiver jolted through Roger's spine. This wasn't what he had signed up for. He just wanted to date different people right now. Sure, commitment had always been a bit of a problem for him. But Roger figured he just hadn't met the right person yet.

"We determined scientifically that you are a perfect match for Jill." Carmine stood up and began ambling around the office.

Roger followed him with suspicious eyes.

"See my friend, women join our service to avoid wasting their time. As I'm sure you're aware, there are numerous commitment-phobic men out there." Carmine winked at Roger. "All that by way of saying it would be prudent for you to call Jill up and make a date for Saturday night."

"I don't think that I..."

Carmine sauntered over to Roger and placed his hands on his shoulders, beside his neck, squeezing ever so slightly. "Oh, I wouldn't go there, Mr. Black. Sometimes things can get out of hand when people think too much."

Roger's heart pounded. "What do you mean?"

Carmine removed his hands from Roger and stepped towards the window. He grimaced at the black clouds forming, abruptly turned back, and sat down at his desk. "Just that there can be, shall we say, consequences for not doing the things one is contractually obligated to do." Carmine took a deep breath and leaned forward. "You know about the law, don't you, Mr. Black? Of course you do. You had that trouble a few years back.”

“What are you talking about?”

“As I understand from the police reports, one of your friends was murdered over a woman. You were apprehended at the scene of the crime, a fired gun in your hand.”

Roger stared at Carmine, his heart beating fast. “I had nothing to do with that and no charges were ever laid.” Roger flinched at the memory. His friend had asked him to bring the gun -- he'd been worried that his girlfriend was trying to kill him. When Roger entered the friend's apartment, someone knocked him out. When he awoke, his friend was dead and the fired gun was in Roger's hand.

“You're absolutely right, no charges against you were ever laid. However, according to the police, the case is still open and you are on the suspect list. I assume you haven't informed your boss about this.” Carmine smiled, picked up the phone and held it in front of Roger. "I'd suggest a call to Jill."

Roger couldn't believe what he was hearing. It was a threat. But what could he do? Roger needed that job. He had a lot of bills to pay this month what with the new Honda he had just purchased. Besides, if one more date with Jill would get this guy off his back, so be it.” Roger grabbed the phone and dialed. "Hello, Jill, it's Roger."

"I'm so glad you called," she said in a little girl voice.

"Yes, uh...what do you say we get together on Saturday? Maybe take in a movie or something?"

"That would be wonderful,” she shrieked.

"Okay. I'll pick you up at eight."

"Looking forward to it, sweetie."

Roger quickly said goodbye and hung up.

Carmine smiled. "Excellent, Mr. Black. Glad to see you made the right decision."

Roger wasn't sure he had made the right decision at all, but what could he do?

He decided to head over to Willoughbys' Bar for a long cold one to get rid of the stress he felt.

Bill Robertson, the tall, lanky bartender, slid a beer over to Roger. "So how's it going, my friend?"

"All right, I guess. You?"

"Good, good."

Roger took a sip of his Heineken. "Was that your cousin I talked to last time I was here?

You know, the one who recommended the dating service."

"Yeah. Tommy"

"How's it working out for him?"

"Great. They fixed him up with a real nice girl."

"He wants to get married?"

Bill laughed. "No, no. He's pretty free wheeling, if you know what I mean."

Roger nodded, wondering if Carmine was threatening him too. Roger chugged the rest of his drink and headed back to work at the advertising agency. Today the words didn't come easily. He found it difficult to brainstorm ideas for the Maple Oatmeal Campaign. Roger finally decided to leave early and try again tomorrow morning.

He went shopping for groceries and there, in the frozen foods department, he ran into his ex-girlfriend, April. He was stunned. She still had the bright red hair that framed her gorgeous high cheekbones, but she must have been working out; her body was curvy in all the right places.

They talked for a few moments about old times. Then April got misty-eyed. "I've missed you, Roger."

He nodded, not wanting to admit to himself that he missed her too.

"Wanna have a coffee?" she asked.

"Sure."

They sat in a back table at Starbucks, talking and drinking their lattes. Roger began remembering all the good times they spent together.

April touched his hand, rubbed it softly. "You know, Roger, you never explained why you broke it off."

He thought a moment. "I guess I got scared."

They continued their conversation, which eventually lead to Roger staying the night at April's apartment.

Roger wanted to see April again, but he was concerned about Carmine's threats. After debating with himself, he decided the man was all bluster. No way would he contact

Roger's boss. He cancelled the date with Jill, saying he had a cold.

The following morning at work, ideas sprang into Roger's head like a tornado. He shared them with his co-workers, who agreed they were brilliant. Thrilled with himself, Roger had lunch at Fernando's, one of his favorite restaurants. While taking a leisurely walk back to work, a chauffeur jumped out of a black limousine and told him to get in.

"What's this about?"

The man pushed Roger into the back seat, then slammed the door shut. Roger couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Carmine sitting beside him.

"Hello, Mr. Black," Carmine said, his eyes flashing anger. "I'm afraid I'm losing my patience with you. You cancelled your date with Jill."

"Yes, I, uh, had a cold."

"Uh huh. You seem fine now."

"I guess it was a twenty-four hour thing." Roger smiled weakly.

“You know what bothers me most about all this? You don't seem to take our contract seriously and then you lie right to my face." Carmine withdrew a brown envelope from his pocket and handed it to Roger.

Roger ripped open the envelope and pulled out several photos of himself and April kissing at her apartment. He snapped, "How did you get these?"

"Never mind about that. How do you explain what you're doing with April Richards when you're supposed to be in a relationship with Jill?"

"I already told you. She's not my..."

"Yes. I know, ‘cup of tea.' Nevertheless, I've made arrangements for you to see Jill tonight. You'll pick her up at eight, take her dancing and then go to the Dessert Hut."

Carmine pushed a long finger into Roger's shoulder. "Got that?"

"This is ridiculous, I'm not going out with Jill! I want out of this service.”

"I'm afraid that's impossible. To use the proper phrase, you are committed. Do you remember those consequences I was speaking about?" Carmine grinned.

"I'll see you in court." Roger quickly opened the car door and ran out.

Five minutes later Roger was back in his office at work. He paged through the phone book to find a lawyer, when Edward, his boss entered. Roger looked up. “Hey Ed, did you see my work on the Maple Cam ...”

“I'm afraid I have some bad news.”

“Oh?”

“We're going to have to let you go.”

“What?

Edward took a deep breath. “I'm afraid we're downsizing and...”

Roger's eyes opened wide. “Is this about Carmine and his...”

“What are you talking about?”

“Did Carmine come to see you?”

Edward shrugged. “I don't know any Carmen. See Personnel on your way out, they have your severance. Good luck.” He smiled and left the office.

Roger, enraged, threw the telephone book against the wall. He was sure this had nothing the hell to do with downsizing and was positive Carmine had gotten to him. Roger left the building and dashed over to Willoughbys. He entered the bar breathing heavily.

"What you doing, Rog?” Bill said, pouring him a beer, “Trying out for the Olympics?"

"Can you give me your cousin's phone number? I need to talk to him about something."

Bill swallowed hard. "Actually, Tommy's...dead."

"What?"

"Yesterday. I felt so sorry for him. He met this new girl and was very happy."

"The one from the dating agency?"

"No. He had already dumped her and met this hot number, Julie, at a club. Then, bam, he's gone. The cops found plumbing solvent in his system. They said he must have tried to commit suicide. I don't believe it for a minute--Tommy loved life."

Roger's body felt tight, like he was encased in cement. He knew he should keep away from April. But he couldn't.

That night, when he drove over to her place, he went later than normal and took side streets just to be on the safe side.

He decided not to tell her about his problems with his job and Carmine. Maybe he just wanted to forget about all that himself--at least for tonight. April cooked Roger's favorite, Parmesan Chicken, for dinner. Then the two of them sat in front of a roaring fire, kissing one another.

Roger pulled away suddenly. "You know, April, I've been thinking I made a mistake letting you go."

April smiled. "Maybe I put unrealistic expectations on you."

"No, no. You were right to. It's just sometimes...a man doesn't realize what he has."

April smiled and gave Roger a big hug.

He drove home, whistling.

It was a pleasant drive, as there was almost no traffic. From a distance Roger could see a petroleum truck stopped at the light ahead and stepped on the brakes to slow down the car. It had no effect. He pumped and pumped. Still his Accord sped forward. Roger's muscles tensed. He was going to hit the petroleum truck!

Thinking quickly, he turned the steering wheel sharply to the right. The car bounced and rocked, then crashed into a tree in Roding Park .

The front bumper was dented and smoke billowed from the engine. A moment later, the door opened and Roger weakly crawled out, his heart still thumping. His chest stung from being slammed against the steering wheel, but he was happy to be alive.

Later that day, Roger had the car towed to Peter's Garage.

Peter looked under the hood, then shook his head.

"What's wrong?" asked Roger.

"The brakes. They have been cut."

"What?"

"Is there some crazy person out to get you?"

Roger shrugged, but he had a hunch who that crazy person was.

After his car had been repaired, Roger knew what he had to do. He drove home and got his gun. He had vowed never to touch a gun again since his “trouble.” But today he felt he might need it, just to threaten, of course. He didn't have any bullets anyways. He dropped it into his jacket pocket, then raced to see the man who had caused all of his problems.

"Did you have my brakes cut?"

Carmine looked up from his desk, an irritated expression on his face. Roger had not bothered to knock, just thrown open the door and tromped in.

"I'm hurt you would even suggest such a thing, Mr. Black. However, sometimes accidents cause us to re-evaluate our actions. If I were you, I'd have another look at..."

"Yeah, I know--the fine print," Roger bellowed. "Well, screw the fine print. Screw you."

Carmine shrugged. "No need for that tone of voice, my friend. Remember, you did sign a legal, binding contract."

Roger stared at him. "What the hell do I have to do to cancel?"

Carmine paused a moment, leaned back in his chair, tented his fingertips. "I'm afraid you can't. Jill is the only one with that power. However, she has taken quite a liking to you, and I don't think she would consent to a breaking of the contract."

Roger blew out air, scrambled out of the office and sped to Jill's house. When she came to the door, her plumped-up lips were spread in a wide grin. "Roger, I've missed you so much." She reached out to hug him. Roger brushed past her into the living room.

"You have to call Carmine and tell him it's over between us."

Jill moved towards Roger. "I can't. We're meant to be together."

Sweat poured down his face like he was in a sauna. The stress of this day was getting to him. To stop his hand from shaking, Roger thrust it into his pocket. That's when he felt the gun. He had forgotten about it. He yanked it out and pointed it at Jill. "Call."

"No."

"Jill, I'm not interested in you."

Jill moved toward him. “Shoot me. Without you, I have no life.”

At that moment, Roger knew she was a crazy person. He stared at her, like he was in a trance, not knowing what to do. Jill stepped forward, little by little. Roger's whole body trembled. When Jill was inches from his face, she kissed him, a hungry, needy kiss. She gently touched Roger's hand and pressed down on his forefinger--the one that rested on the trigger of the gun. A shot rang out. Jill fell to the floor, blood gushing from her chest.

Roger stared, shocked, as the gun dropped from his hand. He was positive the gun had been empty. His mind shouted, “run” and he dashed out the door to his car.

April opened her apartment door smiling, but when she saw Roger, all emotion drained from her face. He sat down next to her on the living room couch, still in a state of shock, and explained everything that had happened.

When he finished, April wiped her tears with a tissue. "This is unbelievable."

"I know," he exclaimed. "If the police find out about this, I'm screwed. I should never have brought the gun. It's just that crazy Carmine guy. He wouldn't let me out of the contract. I can understand if you don't want anything to do with me." Roger put his head in his hands.

A moment later, a whisper of a voice came from April. "I love you. I'll always stand by you."

Roger nodded. "I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before they track me down. I felt so terrible, I ran out of Jill's apartment, and left her body on the floor."

April dried her tears. "We have to think rationally." Then she slipped into the kitchen while Roger closed his eyes and tried to forget the past twenty-four hours.

A few moments later, April returned, her face expressionless. "Everything is going to be okay. I called my brother. Told him Jill was blackmailing you. There was a struggle and a gun went off. He says he'll take care of it."

"How?”

"He knows a guy who can dispose of the, uh, problem. It's gonna cost, but there won't be a trace left. He just needs Jill's address."

Roger hugged April tight.

***

The following day April sat down on the leather chair, smiling at the large man behind the desk.

"So how are you and Mr. Black doing?" Carmine asked.

"The wedding is set for the fourth."

"Congratulations."

"I came to pay my bill."

"Certainly. I have it right here." Carmine reached into a drawer and pulled out a pink sheet of paper.

April's eyes widened when she examined it. "Twenty grand? That seems quite high."

"I'm afraid Mr. Black was a tough bird. But as you can see, all the expenses are legitimate--we had to have a psychologist analyze his profile to see how he would react under stress. Then we hired actors to play the bartender's supposed cousin, and of course, Jill. There was also the photographer to take some shots of you and Mr. Black together. And finally, we needed a guy to do the dirty work: cut Mr. Black's brakes, sneak into his house and put blanks in the gun. He also supplied the blood capsules that Jill broke when the gun went off. Those fellows don't come cheap. So while it seems high, a lot had to be done."

April nodded. "I was just curious what would have happened if Roger had actually hurt himself when the brakes were cut."

Carmine smiled. "We were getting nowhere on his file, so we had to put him in a life or death situation.”

"But don't you think that a little danger…"

"Oh, I wouldn't go there, Mrs. Richards. Sometimes things can get out of hand when people think too much. Let's just be happy that it worked out in the end. Listen might I ask you a question?”

April nodded, taking out her checkbook.

Carmine walked towards the window and looked outside at the rain bouncing off the pavement. He shook his head and turned back to April. “I'm curious. Why are you so intent on marrying this man? He seems, if I may be so blunt, rather beneath your level. And he has been in some trouble.”

April looked up at Carmine, a slight smile on her lips. “A women's heart has many secrets. But I guess I find his dangerous side kind of exciting.”

Carmine nodded. “Understood.”

April handed him the check. "Well, at least we're together now."

Carmine stood up. "Yes, it seems like that at the present. However, in our experience, the male mind is fraught with challenges. That's why our service doesn't end today. In about a month we'll have a couple of officers, actors, of course, come by to ask if your husband knows anything about Jill's murder. Nothing accusing him or anything, just enough to get him thinking. Then, a few months later, the pictures of Jill -- dead, will mysteriously come in the mail addressed to him. Perhaps a little note attached, "I know what really happened." Carmine smirked.

"And we have a few more surprises up our sleeve as well. If you check your contract, you'll see we offer a full three years of service."

"Great!" April handed him the check. Carmine gave her a receipt.

"Of course we may need to make some additional requests of you. But I don't want to worry you about any of that now. It's all in the fine print, Miss Richards. All in the fine print."